Knowledge is power:Thorough Inspections: Minimize surprises with detailed inspections and due diligence.Strong Screening: Careful tenant selection reduces vacancy and headaches.Diversification: Spread your investments across different locations and property types to mitigate risk.Financial Planning: Maintain a buffer and choose financing options that fit your long-term goals.

I have a few Airbnb properties for sale with creative financing in San Antonio, I'll shoot them your way just in case. 

I got the duplex for a very good price so I financed more money than the cost of the house so I don't have to pay for the rehab out of pocket.

you don't buy with long term / conventional financing and then refinance again into long term / conventional financing - many properties are too distressed to even qualify. so the "interest rate when purchasing" is irrelevant - the deal either works or it doesn't.

I am also a lender, with Chase Bank, but want to expand my knowledge on hard money and private financing options.

For this reason, I would take inventory of the local banks within your target markets that offer financing options that best serve your real estate needs (again, usually the smaller local banks), and build depository relationships with them.

I'm moving to San Diego next year from Denver, CO and am looking to make the right personal finance decision in the process. 

I want to be able to keep business finances and liability separate.

Their advantages include house hacking which includes better finance options and hustle.My last purchase was so large cash negative that the rents were $3k less than PITI.  

If the houses are in decent shape and could get traditional financing do not sell seller finance.